Megan Hilty Surprises Audiences Every Night in ‘Death Becomes Her’ on Broadway
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Broadway’s latest hit, Death Becomes Her, starring Megan Hilty, has been making waves with audiences and critics alike. Hilty, a Tony-nominated actress, has been receiving rave reviews for her portrayal of Madeline Ashton in the dark comedy, a character made famous by Meryl Streep in the 1992 film. While her performance has already been widely acclaimed for its comedy and vitality, there’s a secret element that only a few keen-eyed spectators may have picked up on.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Hilty revealed that she improvises a line in every performance of the show. This unscripted moment, carefully integrated into the production, adds an extra layer of surprise and delight for both the audience and her fellow cast members. Hilty shared that the opportunity to improvise came from director Christopher Gattelli, who wanted to keep the line a secret to maintain the element of surprise.
One of the key moments for Hilty to improvise comes during Act I of the show, right before Madeline’s televised wedding to Ernest Menville. It’s during this pivotal scene that Hilty drops in her unexpected line, carefully chosen on the spot to evoke laughter and astonishment from the audience. From references to popular brands like Arby’s and AutoZone to personal shout-outs to friends in the crowd, Hilty’s improvised line always keeps everyone on their toes.
Despite the freedom to improvise, Hilty remains respectful of the original script and the vision of the show. She is quick to point out that while she enjoys the creative liberty, she never oversteps the boundaries of the performance. For Hilty, the improvisation adds a fresh energy to each show, making every night feel unique and exciting.
Alongside Hilty, co-star Jennifer Simard also brings her own flair to the production with an unscripted line of her own at the end of the musical. This additional layer of spontaneity adds an extra element of fun and unpredictability to the already lively show. Simard’s inventive contributions showcase the camaraderie and creativity shared among the cast members of Death Becomes Her.
With the Broadway production earning an impressive 10 Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical and Best Original Score, the innovative approach to storytelling and performance in Death Becomes Her has clearly resonated with audiences and critics. Hilty and Simard’s ability to inject fresh and unexpected moments into each performance highlights the dynamic and collaborative spirit of the show.
As Death Becomes Her continues to captivate audiences on Broadway, the inclusion of improvised lines from Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard adds an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to each show. Their willingness to push boundaries while staying true to the heart of the production showcases the true magic of live theatre.
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